We organize surf events worldwide and have witnessed firsthand how our presence can affect these delicate coastal environments. From trampling over dunes to the impacts of sunscreen on coral reefs, it's clear that human activity can leave a lasting mark on these surf ecosystems. Recognizing this, WSL is committed to creating a positive impact by supporting local communities and investing in initiatives that protect and restore these precious surf spots. Through funding projects and collaborating with non-profits, we work to ensure the health of coastal habitats, improve water quality, and promote conservation efforts that keep our surf ecosystems thriving.
Our Partnerships for Surf Conservation
Through our WSL One Ocean initiative, we've partnered with Conservation International, Save The Waves, and a network of leading ocean conservation organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving the coastal forests, mangroves, and reefs that define our world's most cherished surf spots. By collaborating with these experts, we are working to secure the future of world-class waves and ensure that the ecosystems surfers and coastal communities depend on remain healthy, vibrant, and resilient for generations to come.
In collaboration with our partners and local communities, we're taking meaningful action to safeguard surf ecosystems across the globe. WSL One Ocean has supported projects that conserve coastal areas, promote sustainable tourism, and enhance the resilience of communities that depend on these ecosystems.
Surfers, volunteers, and community partners unite to protect, restore, and revitalize the surf ecosystems of Grajagan Bay, ensuring their beauty and vitality for future generations. - WSL / Matt Dunbar
Making an Impact on the Ground
The WSL PURE Grant Program has provided critical funding to grassroots organizations making a tangible difference in protecting and conserving our global ocean, led by an inclusive process that embraces all stakeholder communities. Through grantees dedicated efforts, significant progress has been made in restoring coastal habitats, conserving marine ecosystems, and promoting sustainable practices.
Explore the impact of the WSL PURE Grant Program by reading about the projects we've supported in 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021 showcasing the incredible work of our grantees and their contributions to safeguarding the future of our shared ocean.
Past grants have supported surf conservation projects in:
- Australia: Supporting projects focused on conserving critical surf habitats, engaging and educating youth, and promoting the long-term health and resilience of coastal ecosystems.
- Brazil: Engaging in habitat restoration, conservation efforts, and educational initiatives to maintain the beauty and biodiversity, of Brazilian surf spots.
- California: Uniting community, culture, and environmental stewardship through indigenous-led efforts, habitat restoration, and educational initiatives to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of California's surf spots.
- Costa Rica: Protecting coastal habitats and promoting sustainable surf tourism, helping to preserve local surf ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.
- El Salvador: Advancing coastal habitat restoration, community engagement, and local efforts to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of El Salvador's surf spots, empowering local communities to thrive through environmental stewardship.
- Fiji: Supporting initiatives that protect and restore coral reefs, empower local communities, and preserve the unique surf ecosystems of the Mamanuca Islands and surrounding coastal regions.
- Hawaii: Supporting initiatives that develop the future of ocean stewardship, protect critical habitats, restore coral, restore wetlands, and foster a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of surf breaks within Hawaiian communities.
- Indonesia: Collaborating with local partners to establish surf-protected areas, ensuring the conservation of coral reefs and the health of vital marine ecosystems in some of the world's most iconic surf destinations.
- Mexico: Investing in efforts to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, support sustainable surf tourism, and work with local communities to preserve Mexico's rich surfing heritage and natural beauty.
- Portugal: Assisting local projects focused on kelp restoration, protecting surf breaks, and promoting sustainable practices to ensure the preservation of Portugal's renowned surf coastlines.
- South Africa: Supporting marine conservation efforts and community engagement to protect South Africa's diverse coastal ecosystems, fostering a deep connection between local communities and the environment through education and sustainable practices.
- Tahiti: Supporting local initiatives, coral restoration, and community engagement to protect the unique marine ecosystems and surf spots of Tahiti, while fostering sustainable practices and cultural preservation.
Community members join together for a WSL One Ocean local impact project to support mangrove restoration, coastal and fruit tree planting, and a comprehensive coastal cleanup. - WSL / Aaron Hughes
How You Can Help
Every step counts in protecting our one shared ocean. Here are some ways you can join us in making a difference:
- Pick up trash and leave no trace behind when visiting the beach.
- Avoid walking over dunes and stepping on beachgrass, as they play a crucial role in stabilizing these coastal landscapes.
- Use reef-safe sunblock to minimize harmful effects on coral reefs.
- Respecting local ecosystems by staying on designated pathways and avoiding touching or stepping on coral reefs.
- Donating to organizations working on the ground, who are making a positive impact on surf ecosystems.
Spectators gathering for a beautiful sunset at Keramas - WSL / Ed Sloane
In order to protect our one shared ocean, we need to safeguard its surrounding land. Conserving coastal areas protects diverse habitats, home to many endangered species, and other natural resources. Not only does preservation benefit our marine life and ecosystems, but it also has measurable advantages for our coastal communities--protecting them against powerful storms and filtering pollution from runoff.
Healthy coastal habitats are safer to surf in, contain more abundant wildlife, and help build stronger local economies. There are steps we can all take to make sure no one is picking up after us. Lets come together to make positive changes on an individual level, and collectively, we can build strong coastal communities that promote responsible tourism, conserve sensitive habitat, and support local economies.
For the Lexus Pipe Pro, the WSL teamed up with WSL One Ocean coalition partner North Shore Community Land Trust on a wetland restoration project in Waialeʻe, just down the road from Pipeline, to remove invasive grasses from the wetland and plant taro. - WSL / Jesse Jennings
Together, we can protect our coastlines and ensure that the waves we love continue to thrive. By supporting WSL One Ocean and our partners, we're building stronger coastal communities that promote responsible tourism, protect sensitive habitats, and support local economies. Let's unite in our shared commitment to conserving these incredible surf ecosystems.
Support Our Friends and Partners Working to Protect and Conserve Our Coastlines:
Together, we can make waves of positive change for our ocean, coastlines, and the communities that call them home.
Safeguarding Surf Ecosystems: How WSL Supports Coastal Communities
WSL
We organize surf events worldwide and have witnessed firsthand how our presence can affect these delicate coastal environments. From trampling over dunes to the impacts of sunscreen on coral reefs, it's clear that human activity can leave a lasting mark on these surf ecosystems. Recognizing this, WSL is committed to creating a positive impact by supporting local communities and investing in initiatives that protect and restore these precious surf spots. Through funding projects and collaborating with non-profits, we work to ensure the health of coastal habitats, improve water quality, and promote conservation efforts that keep our surf ecosystems thriving.
Our Partnerships for Surf Conservation
Through our WSL One Ocean initiative, we've partnered with Conservation International, Save The Waves, and a network of leading ocean conservation organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving the coastal forests, mangroves, and reefs that define our world's most cherished surf spots. By collaborating with these experts, we are working to secure the future of world-class waves and ensure that the ecosystems surfers and coastal communities depend on remain healthy, vibrant, and resilient for generations to come.
In collaboration with our partners and local communities, we're taking meaningful action to safeguard surf ecosystems across the globe. WSL One Ocean has supported projects that conserve coastal areas, promote sustainable tourism, and enhance the resilience of communities that depend on these ecosystems.
Making an Impact on the Ground
The WSL PURE Grant Program has provided critical funding to grassroots organizations making a tangible difference in protecting and conserving our global ocean, led by an inclusive process that embraces all stakeholder communities. Through grantees dedicated efforts, significant progress has been made in restoring coastal habitats, conserving marine ecosystems, and promoting sustainable practices.
Explore the impact of the WSL PURE Grant Program by reading about the projects we've supported in 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021 showcasing the incredible work of our grantees and their contributions to safeguarding the future of our shared ocean.
Past grants have supported surf conservation projects in:
How You Can Help
Every step counts in protecting our one shared ocean. Here are some ways you can join us in making a difference:
In order to protect our one shared ocean, we need to safeguard its surrounding land. Conserving coastal areas protects diverse habitats, home to many endangered species, and other natural resources. Not only does preservation benefit our marine life and ecosystems, but it also has measurable advantages for our coastal communities--protecting them against powerful storms and filtering pollution from runoff.
Healthy coastal habitats are safer to surf in, contain more abundant wildlife, and help build stronger local economies. There are steps we can all take to make sure no one is picking up after us. Lets come together to make positive changes on an individual level, and collectively, we can build strong coastal communities that promote responsible tourism, conserve sensitive habitat, and support local economies.
Together, we can protect our coastlines and ensure that the waves we love continue to thrive. By supporting WSL One Ocean and our partners, we're building stronger coastal communities that promote responsible tourism, protect sensitive habitats, and support local economies. Let's unite in our shared commitment to conserving these incredible surf ecosystems.
Support Our Friends and Partners Working to Protect and Conserve Our Coastlines:
Together, we can make waves of positive change for our ocean, coastlines, and the communities that call them home.
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